Recap: Manuel On WFAN
Earlier today, “New” Mets Manager Jerry Manuel made his final weekly appearance of the season on WFAN’s afternoon show, Mike’d Up.
In case you missed it, here are a few highlights:
- Manuel does not believe there is a leadership problem nor a cultural or ethnic divide in the clubhouse.
- He said the team will need continue to deal with their September issues until the team breaks through. Manuel believes this will strengthen the team once they make the postseason.
- Manuel was bothered by the team’s poor play the last week of the season.
- He believes his players need to play more team oriented baseball in order for them to be successful.
- Manuel said he should have entrusted more of the other pitchers he had available in the bullpen.
- When discussing the evaluation of his coaches for next season, Manuel stopped short of endorsing Luis Aguayo as the team’s third base coach.
- Manuel will not ‘count out’ Luis Castillo as the team’s second basemen next season.
- He would like to find an everyday position for Daniel Murphy next season.
- Manuel praised an injured Johan Santana for performing under the pressure of a pennant race in New York.
- When asked to describe a team managed by Jerry Manuel, he answered his team is one that “understands the situation, rhythm and flow of the game” and is committed to winning. Manuel singled out Jose Reyes as taking steps in that direction, as evident by stealing bases in more opportune times.
- Manuel was non-committal when asked if the recent criticism towards David Wright and Jose Reyes was warranted, but believes if it is, it can be used as learning tool for their future progression.
To listen to the interview in it’s entirety, go to WFAN.com.
